With all the free time that comes with summer, I am finding ways to mentally escape and relax. Starting with a childhood past time of reading before bed. I have allowed myself time to get lost in books, so that in the last three weeks I have read these titles (all of which I recommend):My second form of escape is cutting, gluing, and crafting at a scrapbook date. I missed last week but was in full presence today.

I find myself getting lost in the memories as I work on Olivine’s baby book. I worked for 6 hours with a small break for lunch, in the company of four other friends working on their projects.My last ingredient for a healthy mind has been running. I am waking at 5:30 am (Crazy!) and running 2 to 3 miles. I hope to build the stamina to run 5 miles by the end of the summer.

of course this didn’t slow us down from heading to the baybut we did go a day early this week (we usually go on Wed.)and took our boogie boards (thank you Julie) to play with.Paul is looking forward to when he can take his board to the buoy.Olivine is getting better at keeping her hat on.I am practicing staying present so I did not bring a book and kept my eyes wide open with little ones.Henry may need some European style, fitted swim trunksand we are all grateful to live so close to the ocean,despite the sand that manages to get everywhere.

Lately I have been falling asleep exhausted just like the kids.Saturday was the rummage sale and pirate take over on the pier
of course the boys dressed up and never really were able to determine if they had seen ‘real pirates’ or not.There have been random photo snapping
trying to capture their summer time faces.Sunday was a long walk

over in Bolsa Chica
with a little bird watching.
Paul got too hot, he did a lot of running ahead.By the evening we made our way over to the Bay to watch friends get baptized.
I forgot bathing suits so the boys jumped in with underwear after the ceremonies.Monday was baking cake balls
this time we borrowed a babycakes machine (thanks Tina)and dropping by the Goodwill for the perfect find: $5 badmitton set, which we used washi tape to rewrap the handle.I even snuck out for an early birthday dinner with some lady friends. I have had a crush on these blue jars forever but hadn’t bought them, but a friend with the identical taste gave them to me as a gift. Perfect.
During this time, we noticed a new month on our calendar and are wishing you a happy start of your July.